Atlantic County surrogate suspended

Disciplined for DWI, hosting political event

Dec. 7, 2013

Curcio

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From staff and wire reports

TRENTON — The state Supreme Court has ordered Atlantic County’s surrogate suspended without pay for two months for hosting a political fundraiser and for driving while drunk.

The suspension, which begins Jan. 1, applies to James Curcio’s judicial duties and not his administrative duties. Atlantic County freeholders will determine how much to withhold from his nearly $92,000 salary.

Curcio accepted the findings and waived his right to a hearing.

The court also ordered Curcio to continue to participate in programs to address his alcoholism after he pleaded guilty to his second DWI in two years.

The Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct found Curcio violated several rules that promote integrity and impartiality.

According to the court’s ruling, Curcio hosted a fundraising event in Egg Harbor Township in March 2011 to support the election of Chris Brown for state Assembly, which is a violation of judicial rules. Curcio testified Brown is a “close friend.”

Curcio’s “impermissible political activity impugned the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary,” the ruling said.

In April 2012, Curcio was arrested for driving while intoxicated on the White Horse Pike in Hammonton and Mullica. He was convicted of the charge, which was his second DWI offense.

Curcio said he’s an alcoholic and is now getting help with his addiction. But the court’s ruling said he should have done so sooner.

Curcio’s “failure to acknowledge and address his issues with alcohol following his first DWI conviction, despite being offered assistance to do so, demonstrates an acute lack of good judgment, which is especially troubling given his then imminent status as a judge and clerk of the Surrogate’s Court and deputy clerk of the Superior Court, Probate Part.”

Before being elected surrogate, Curcio was a member of the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders for 16 years.

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